Backstitching ends of bias tapes

hudakoreAugust 19, 2014

Is there a simple trick I can use when trying to backstitch the ends of folded bias tapes? I can sew forward and back but in coming forward again to finish sewing the strip, it gets all messed up as it tries to go back under the foot of the machine...it just gets all hung up.

I have a couple of suggestions for you. The first is when you go back, don't actually sew all the way back off the bias tape. Use the wheel instead of the foot control and make sure that last stitch stays on the fabric (you might have to lift the presser foot and move the fabric a bit to make that happen). Then go forward again. If that doesn't work, you might try using a "Jean-a-ma-jig" or "Hump Jumper". I have a Jean-a-ma-jig and it does come in handy. But you could make something simple yourself that will do just as well, which is what I often do because I keep misplacing that little piece of plastic. You can fold a couple of pieces of cardboard and place them on either side of the seam at the back of the presser foot and just under the ends. Then do your backstitch and then go forward. Every machine is different and yours just may not like sewing on air, in which case my first suggestion would be your best bet, or a combination of both suggestions.